GALA NIGHT AT THE THEME PARK
It's night at the theme park, the gala night to celebrate the electric upgrade of the theme park. The whole park was illuminated with electric lights. The entrance was crowded with people. A model Liberty Bell was ringing periodically. The theme park was by the seaside. The illuminated Statue of Liberty can be seen afar in the darkness.
The Raouls arrived at the park, but they were barely excited. Raoul bore a stern face. Christine and Gustave both looked nervous, particularly Gustave.
He had noticed an intense quarrel between his parents earlier, although it's behind the door. He never saw Dad being so angry. He could tell there's something about the safety of their family and they would go back to Europe soon. They didn't explain the reason to him.
"Thanks for bringing me to the gala night." Gustave spoke timidly to Raoul.
"I must be insane." Raoul grunted.
"Things will be fine. Trust me." Christine tried to appease him.
"I should." Raoul responded sarcastically, "No matter what will happen, you can always save me."
"Raoul!" Christine frowned back at him, "This is for Gustave."
Raoul sighed. "Stay with me, both of you." He said.
As the night went on, the Raouls toured together. They reached the front of the newly opened "Phantom's Opera". Gustave wanted to go in. He looked at Raoul and Christine, only stopped short of asking.
Now a crowd had gathered at the open space in front of Phantom's Opera, as shows would be given here.
During the performance, several songs were played, including "American the beautiful" and "Star and Strips". These songs were interesting to Raouls, as they hadn't heard before.
At this moment, Meg came to join them after her performance was done. When "Star and Strips" was played, Meg remembered something, and spoke to Gustave,
"Gustave. This song is another popular candidate for America's national anthem."
Gustave nodded. Christine was impressed with the song as well. She murmured "the land of free" thoughtfully.
Meg's company made the atmosphere better. They began to talk and laugh while watching the performance.
And now Edison appeared on stage. His speech was a highlight of the night, and he won't miss the chance to promote his business. He emphasized the fantastic combination of the theme park and his products.
Right after his speech, a host announced the countdown, and the whole area turned dark. A splendid show of electrical lights ensued. Everyone watched with fascination and awe.
When the light show finished, the lighting turned back to normal. The audience wowed with satisfaction. But just as Raoul turned his head, he didn't see Christine.
"CHRISTINE!" He shouted and looked all around. Meg and Gustave also realized Christine was not around. They all went panic.
Raoul thought for a second, and spoke to Gustave, "I will go find Mom. You stay with Aunt Meg."
"I am going with you." Gustave said.
"No! Stay here with Aunt Meg." Raoul ordered.
Meg held Gustave's shoulders and nodded to Raoul.
Raoul started pushing through the crowd, but before he could make much move, the crowd suddenly reacted to something.
Raoul looked up. He saw Christine and Phantom appeared on stage.
Christine was trying to drag Phantom onto the center of stage, but he resisted and looked upset.
Christine looked back at him and asked, "Have you realized where we are?"
Phantom answered with puzzle, "On stage?"
Christine replied, "No. We are in America, in the NEW WORLD."
Phantom was even more bewildered.
The crowd didn't understand what's going on either. Someone questioned, "Which show is this?"
Christine looked at Phantom and continued, "I realized, that in this new world, neither of us shall fear anymore, or hide anymore."
While Phantom was thinking of her words, Christine sang,
"LET YOUR MIND START A JOURNEY THROUGH THIS WHOLE NEW WORLD".
Phantom joined her, "LEAVE ALL THOUGHTS/FEARS OF THE WORLD YOU KNEW BEFORE".
At this moment, the Liberty Bell at the gate ringed again.
Christine looked at the illuminated Statue of Liberty afar in the sea, and then turned back to Phantom. She raised her hand slowly and began to take off Phantom's mask.
Phantom was shocked. He instantly grabbed her wrist to stop her.
Christine asked him, "Erik. You want me to stay. You want me to sing for you, right?"
Phantom stared at her and nodded with perplex.
"Then trust me." Christine continued, "If the new world doesn't accept you, I will."
The confused crowd was all watching them now.
Thomas Edison was on the side of stage. He was puzzled as well when he first saw them. However, while overhearing their talk, he seemed to have a clue.
He walked to the center of the stage, briefly nodded at Phantom and Christine, and then turned to the crowd,
"Ladies and gentlemen! Let me introduce you the man behind all these! The chief designer of the park! A real genius! Err…Erik!"
Phantom unwillingly followed Christine a couple of steps towards the center of the stage.
After this announcement, Edison started applauding.
"Let me sing for you." Christine gazed at Phantom and began to sing,
"OH, SAY CAN YOU SEE, WHO IS RIGHT HERE WITH ME
THE ANGEL OF MUSIC, GUIDE AND GUARDIAN OF MINE"
"OH, SAY CAN YOU HEAR, WHOSE MUSIC IS SUNG
GENTLE BUT STRONG, DRIVE ALL FEAR AWAY …"
She began to remove Phantom's mask again. This time, he didn't stop her. When Christine removed the mask, they saw each other in tears.
The crowd had mixed reactions. Some people gasped. Some were murmuring. Many people in the distance were still confused.
Edison applauded again. More people began to follow applauding.
Phantom murmured intermittently, "Sing for me…my dream comes true…our dreams come true…"
Christine continued,
"GIVES US COURAGE, INSPIRE A NEW LIFE
THAT'S THE MUSIC OF ANGEL, SUNG BY THE BRAVE,"
The crowd joined loudly, "OVER THE LAND OF FREE!"
- The end -